“Please don’t let anyone move in” was the title of a Yo post written by Joe Zekas a few months ago regarding SoNo, Smithfield Properties‘ 28-story high-rise at 860 W Blackhawk St. Joe of course wasn’t trying to sabotage the developer, he was just expressing concern that once buyers move in, the building’s “purity will be affected by its residents’ taste in window-coverings.”
We haven’t been by SoNo since move-ins started over the winter, so the follow-up to Joe’s post will have to wait, but another good example of architectural purity that’s been besmirched by the addition (or lack) of window treatments can be found in 550 St Clair in Streeterville. From the upper floors of neighboring Avenue East I had a clear view of the Brininstool & Lynch-designed glass box and came away with this photo.
At 600 North Fairbanks, which is located just a few blocks to the east, architect Helmut Jahn and the developer mandated that buyers treat their windows with off-white shades. Apparently, no such requirement was made of buyers at 500 St Clair: Some shades are white or off-white, others are beige or brown, and some condos don’t appear to have any window treatments at all.
NewHomeNotebook:
• Rate and review 550 St Clair
Related posts:
• SoNo: Please don’t let anyone move in (Sept. 9)